Hairstylists often find themselves as the first to notice something unusual on a client’s scalp, neck, or hairline—places many people rarely check themselves or really can't see.

While stylists are not expected to be the experts in skin cancer, knowing how to point someone toward helpful resources--and have those resources at your fingertips--can make a real difference.

SkinIO for Skin Care Concerns

As summer unfolds, June brings heightened awareness to the risks associated with sun exposure. While May is traditionally recognized as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, June continues the conversation on the importance of sun safety practices. 

Hairstylists are uniquely positioned--literally-- to notice skin changes on their clients as they work above and behind their clients and stylists.  For their clients and for themselves, tools like SkinIO offer a valuable resource. 

This app-based platform allows users to perform guided skin screenings using their smartphones, providing an accessible option for monitoring skin health.  This short paragraph from the brand's website provides a great to-the-point explanation: 

1 in 5 of us will be impacted by skin cancer by age 70. Unlike other cancers, skin cancer is entirely and easily curable if it’s caught early. And it hides in plain sight. But if you’re not looking for it, you could miss it. Now you can screen your skin with the only technology built to see skin like a dermatologist. All you need is 10 minutes and a smartphone.--From SkinIO.com

SkinIO is a HIPAA-compliant, AI-driven, virtual skin cancer screening platform that allows anyone, anywhere to perform a skin exam. SkinIO images are reviewed remotely by expert dermatologists, users receive their results by email in just a few days, and they are connected to care if they require in-person follow-up.

 This can be a starting point for clients who are unsure of where to turn or who are putting off getting something checked because of fear or because they lack insurance.  And while you're looking after your clients, remember to take care of yourself, too.  SkinIO could help you do that.

To learn more about the tool or how it works, visit skinio.com

Resources for Sun Protection

As most consumers know, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.

And for beauty professionals who want to support their clients and be their beauty expert, having sun care product recommendation can be valuable.  Here are two that recently came to our attention: 

SOL LABS®: Sun Protection with a Purpose

SOL LABS® is a mineral-based sun care brand founded by Seth and Jenny Nelson following Seth’s melanoma diagnosis at age 27. The brand recently partnered with the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), the world’s largest nonprofit funder of melanoma research, to increase awareness and promote daily sun safety.

Together, SOL LABS® and MRA aim to:

• Fund breakthrough melanoma research

• Educate consumers on sun protection

• Encourage daily sunscreen use with products that are both effective and enjoyable to wear

Silagen Gel + SPF 30: Supporting Healing After Skin Cancer Treatment

For clients or individuals who’ve undergone procedures like Mohs surgery,  Silagen Gel + SPF 30 is a physician-exclusive product designed to improve the appearance of scars while protecting them from sun exposure, which can lead to hyperpigmentation.

Key features include:

• Broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30 (zinc oxide–based)

• Supports healing with medical-grade silicone

• Quick-drying, fragrance-free, and non-irritating

• Ideal for face, neck, chest, and arms

• Vegan, gluten-free, and never tested on animals